RuneScape ®

RuneScape ®

Released Oct 2020

RuneScape is a high fantasy open world MMORPG. Explore an ever changing and evolving living world where new challenges, skills, and quests await. Featuring unprecedented player freedom, you choose how to play, adventure, and grow.

81% positive · 27K reviews
Not yet
Released, ongoing live service game
High confidence
Live Service
Not yet
Released, ongoing live service game
High confidence
Live Service

Where to get it

Free on Steam

Evaluation

RuneScape is a free-to-play MMORPG with over 25 years of history, designed to receive new content indefinitely. The game arrived on Steam on October 14, 2020, and has maintained a continuous and substantial cadence of major updates ever since. In 2026 alone, the developer shipped a series of major content releases: Dungeoneering Remastered on May 11, 2026; a complete overhaul of Player-Owned Housing and the Construction skill on July 13, 2026; and Leagues II: EQUILIBRIUM — described as one of the biggest events of the year — on August 10, 2026. On September 28, 2026, Havenhythe Part II launched. The developer has also been executing a "Road to Restoration" initiative throughout the year, including removal of Treasure Hunter (the monetized loot box system) on January 19, 2026, and ongoing game-wide rebalancing and quality-of-life overhauls. On October 3, 2026, Jagex held RuneFest 2026 and unveiled both a "RuneScape Reignited" initiative and a detailed 2027 roadmap. That roadmap outlines three named content arcs for 2027 — Hoard of Dragons, The City of Gnomes, and Secrets of Karamja — alongside continued Road to Restoration work including a unified collection log, a Grouping System Rework, a Quest Timeline Rework, and more. A major "Remastered Journey" update is explicitly scheduled for December 2, 2026. The developer also confirmed that previously announced content (Vampyrium and a 30th skill) remains in long-term plans, though not on the immediate roadmap. The game monetizes through RuneCoin purchases (used for cosmetics), a membership subscription, and occasional cosmetic marketplace drops. A 1-Month Membership bundle was listed as recently as September 15, 2026. Developer communication is extremely frequent, with monthly "Month Ahead" blogs, weekly patch notes, and major content announcements throughout the year. This is a live service game in every meaningful sense — it has never been, and is not designed to be, "finished."
Evidence
RuneFest 2026 Summit revealed the 2027 Roadmap, detailing three named content arcs (Hoard of Dragons, The City of Gnomes, Secrets of Karamja), a Remastered Journey update launching December 2, 2026, and extensive Road to Restoration improvements continuing into 2027.
news post · Oct 3, 2026 source content planned
high
Pre-RuneFest preview confirms a 2027 Roadmap will be revealed, states that 2026 has already delivered almost everything promised in the 2026 Roadmap, and reaffirms that Vampyrium and a new skill (Skill 30) remain in future plans.
news post · Oct 2, 2026 source content planned
high

Content

4 of 4 released · no outstanding content

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Jagex Ltd
Achievements
20
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Multiplayer

About this game

Journey into the Sixth Age of Gielinor and discover a fantasy world deep with legend and lore. Gielinor's people may be thriving, but the Elder Gods still scheme. The clouds are darkening and war looms. Experience a fantasy online world 19 years in the making.

It's up to you. Will you explore the world with friends, or seek your fame and fortune as a lone adventurer? Whether you’re engaged in daring quests, quietly tending to your farm, risking it all against a high-level boss or spending a night at the circus, RuneScape is the perfect second-screen game. Play how you want – the choice is yours. What type of hero will you be?

With a world that’s been growing for an incredible 19 years, RuneScape continues to thrill players with an adventure unlike any other. With 270 million installations and cross-playability on PC and mobile, join the hundreds of millions of people who have explored the fantastic and mystical world of Gielinor.

Make friends – and maybe sometimes enemies – with a rich roster of memorable NPC characters. From lovable companions and friendly rogues, to deceitful villains and vengeful gods, the many faces of Gielinor offer a deep fantasy experience unlike anything else.

Visit dozens and dozens of unique and striking locations, from the medieval castles of Burthorpe and the tranquil harbours of Catherby, to the dangerous barren expanses of the Wilderness or the tropical reaches of Anachronia. Own your own port! Run your own farm! Make a pretty penny trading with players at The Grand Exchange, and keep your exotic wares safe in the Bank.

With 29 skills to master, what will you become? Will you be one with nature by perfecting Woodcutting, Fishing, Herblore and Cooking? Or would you prefer to be more creative with Crafting, Farming, Smithing and Construction? Or perhaps your tastes lay elsewhere – with Hunting, Divination, Invention or Runecrafting? Or maybe your soul yearns action, and you’ll take to Magic, Summoning, Slayer and Dungeoneering!

Do you want to get up close and personal with a sharp blade in your hand? Or will you take a tactical approach and attack from range? Or perhaps your skills are more mystical, and you prefer the arena of magic? Fight a dazzling assortment of foes including an unimaginable array of epic bosses. From demons to dragons and rock monsters to serpents, nightmares beyond your wildest imagination lay in wait.

RuneScape can be played free, but also offers optional membership that unlocks even more thrilling content, including 8 additional skills, over 120 extra quests and access to the entire game world map! Check out the Steam DLC Bundles Membership Access offers featuring launch exclusive Steam cosmetic items and special rewards.

Add your unique voice to our vibrant RuneScape community. Enjoy a strong connection to RuneScape's independent development team by joining them for regular livestreams, and share ideas on the forums. We shape RuneScape together!

Last evaluated Oct 7, 2026
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